Striving for Excellence Every Day

Here is the story of Jasmina Begum, who is working with Reach India Trust, Kolkata since 2019 as a Community Mobiliser. Coming out from the shackles of a bad childhood, societal customs and patriarchal dominance, Jasmina proved to the world what she is capable of. She is an example of a strong empowered woman who broke all stereotypes and comes out stronger every time.

While growing up in the dingy lines of Tangra, Central Kolkata, Jasmina often heard her father telling her “What is the point in educating you? You are a girl, will be married and end up in the kitchen for life!” Unlike her father who did not support her education, it was her mother who enrolled her in a school run by an NGO. There was a sadness in her voice as she recalled when her father left them. 

After completing her education, Jasmina started working with CINI (Child In Need Institute), the NGO that had supported her education. Later, she joined Reach India Trust in 2019, a SMART partner of Tech Mahindra Foundation.

Community mobilization was a testing ground for Jasmina, she tried hard to get into the skin of the activity, making community connections, and trying to reach the right beneficiaries. To quote her reporting manager, Abheri, “Jasmina Di’s performance was not perfect initially, she worked on her articulation, made better pitches, was a keen observer and picked up fast; she has proved her mettle”. The Reach India Trust SMART Centre, Kolkata is among the best-performing Centres and mobilization is being the foundation of an employability program, Jasmina has had a role to play in its success. 

“I am looked upon as a role model in my family and community, I enjoy coming to work, and I am able to support my family and my mother,” says Jasmina, a Community Mobiliser at Reach India Trust Centre, Kolkata. At Tech Mahindra Foundation, we salute Jasmina and all the community mobilisers on the ground, their unyielding spirit to excel, achieve dreams and break stereotypes and also wish her all the best for all the endless possibilities ahead of her.